About
Dr. Laura L. Walsh
A licensed clinical psychologist who has never been satisfied with a surface answer. Complex interactions and connections are what capture and hold my attention — which is why people and their lives turn out to be so endlessly interesting.
A career built at the
edges of the discipline
Dr. Laura L. Walsh is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the mountains of Trinidad, Colorado. Over two decades she has cultivated a practice that refuses to stay in one lane — bridging the consulting room, the courtroom, and the frontier of AI safety.
My father was an engineer, and from him I learned to approach complexity with patience and precision. Even when life feels overwhelming, we can slow down and look carefully at each layer until something new emerges — clarity, movement, or a sense of ease. That instinct runs through everything I do, whether I'm in session with a client, reviewing records for a deposition, or evaluating how an AI system misreads risk.
I'm a native southerner who called Chicago home for years before finding my true place in the mountains of Colorado. I hold a BA in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Texas State University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I'm a published author, speaker, and former adjunct faculty member at multiple clinical psychology training programs.
"Being curious and asking why is a defining quality of mine. I was never satisfied with a surface answer."
My current clinical interests include suicide loss bereavement, ADHD symptom management, LGBTQ+ and kink/poly relationships, and substance and behavioral addictions. On the forensic side, I focus on civil and employment matters — psychological injury, ADHD accommodations, wrongful death, and suicide-related questions. And at the frontier: helping AI teams understand where their systems fail to recognize risk in the people who need help most.
The thinking behind
the work
My clinical approach is informed by models that share a respect for human complexity, compassion, and growth. I'm an active and authentic presence in sessions — validating what's real, empowering you to see the whole picture, and never pretending to have ready-made answers.
Self Psychology
A framework centered on empathy, the cohesive sense of self, and the ways early relationships shape how we experience ourselves and others throughout life.
Internal Family Systems
A model that understands the mind as made up of distinct parts — each with its own perspective and protective function — and the healing that comes from relating to them with curiosity rather than judgment.
Narrative Therapy
The stories we tell about ourselves shape who we become. Narrative therapy creates space to examine those stories, separate the person from the problem, and author new ones.
Gottman Method
Research-based approaches to relationships — helping couples and individuals understand patterns of connection, conflict, and repair with clarity and without blame.
Forensic Psychology
Grounded in the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology — applying clinical expertise to legal questions with rigorous, data-driven methodology and clear, accessible reporting.
Engineering Mindset
From an engineer father: the instinct to slow down, examine each layer, and resist the urge to accept the first explanation. Complexity has structure if you're patient enough to look.
REFRAMED
Reframing is the simple act that starts with a single question. REFRAMED is Dr. Walsh's ongoing project exploring the science and practice of perspective — practical wisdom, lived experience, and the belief that everything is a life lesson if you frame it that way.
If you want to read more about her philosophy and approach to life and change, this is the place to start.
Visit Reframedself.com →"When you're feeling stuck, there's always another way. We'll figure it out."
Beyond the
consulting room
Dr. Walsh brings the same rigor and clarity she applies in clinical and forensic work to her writing and speaking engagements — translating complex psychological concepts for professional and general audiences alike.
Published author and contributor on topics spanning clinical psychology, suicide risk, AI safety, and the psychology of everyday life
Speaker and presenter at professional conferences and public events on food psychology, addictions, and ADHD
Former adjunct faculty at multiple APA-accredited clinical psychology training programs
Available for media commentary, expert interviews, and educational presentations on psychology, AI risk, and forensic topics
Interested in a speaking engagement or media inquiry?
Dr. Walsh is available for conferences, professional trainings, podcast appearances, and media commentary. Reach out to discuss availability and topics.
Get in Touch